Polio vaccination campaign in central Gaza in its first phase has concluded with remarkable success. Over 189,000 children under the age of ten were vaccinated, surpassing the initial target of 156,500. This achievement underscores the commitment of families, health workers, and vaccinators in ensuring that children are protected against the potentially devastating disease of polio, despite the challenging circumstances in the Gaza Strip.
Successful Completion of First Phase of Polio Vaccination Campaign in Central Gaza: Over 189,000 Children Vaccinated
The first phase of the polio vaccination campaign in central Gaza has concluded with remarkable success. Over 189,000 children under the age of ten were vaccinated, surpassing the initial target of 156,500. This achievement underscores the commitment of families, health workers, and vaccinators in ensuring that children are protected against the potentially devastating disease of polio, despite the challenging circumstances in the Gaza Strip.
Exceeding Targets Despite Difficult Conditions
The campaign, aimed at immunising children against polio, was launched amid the complex and often dangerous environment in Gaza, where ongoing conflict and limited resources have put immense strain on healthcare services. Nevertheless, the first phase of the vaccination drive has exceeded expectations. The initial target was set at 156,500 children, but by the conclusion of this phase, more than 189,000 children were successfully vaccinated.
This milestone is particularly significant given the logistical and operational hurdles faced by health workers in the region. Limited access to medical supplies, damaged infrastructure, and the constant threat of violence have made it extremely difficult to deliver health services. However, the dedication and perseverance of the medical teams, in collaboration with local families, have ensured that a larger number of children than anticipated were reached.
Ongoing Vaccination Efforts to Ensure Full Coverage
While the first phase of the campaign in central Gaza has been completed, efforts are ongoing to ensure that no child is left behind. Four fixed vaccination sites will continue to operate in the region for the next three days. These centres will offer polio vaccinations to children who may have missed the earlier part of the campaign. The goal is to ensure full coverage, leaving no child vulnerable to the disease.
Vaccination teams are working tirelessly to reach every child in central Gaza, navigating the difficult terrain and security risks in the region. Families are encouraged to bring their children to these fixed vaccination sites to ensure they receive the life-saving vaccine.
Preparations for South Gaza Campaign
As the vaccination efforts in central Gaza wind down, preparations are now underway for the next phase of the campaign, which will focus on southern Gaza. The roll out of the polio vaccination campaign in the southern part of the region is set to begin tomorrow, with the same goal of protecting children under the age of ten from the threat of polio.
The teams involved in the central Gaza campaign are now shifting their attention to ensure the smooth and effective implementation of the vaccine drive in the south. Health workers and vaccinators are coordinating logistics, securing vaccine supplies, and setting up vaccination sites in preparation for the campaign launch.
The Importance of Humanitarian Cooperation
The success of the first phase of the polio vaccination campaign in central Gaza would not have been possible without the cooperation and dedication of families, health workers, and the broader humanitarian community. Despite the dire conditions in Gaza, families have prioritised bringing their children to vaccination centers, demonstrating a shared commitment to protecting the health and future of the region’s youngest generation.
Health workers and vaccinators have displayed exceptional resilience, working in extremely difficult and often dangerous conditions to ensure that children are vaccinated. Their efforts have been critical in preventing the spread of polio, a disease that can cause irreversible paralysis and even death in children. The success of this campaign is a testament to their dedication and hard work.
Calls for Humanitarian Pauses and a Ceasefire
As the vaccination campaign continues, the need for humanitarian pauses remains critical. These pauses allow health workers to safely deliver essential services, including vaccinations, to the civilian population in Gaza. The health community and humanitarian organisations have called for these pauses to be respected, allowing them to carry out their life-saving work without the threat of violence and disruption.
In addition to these pauses, there are continued calls for a ceasefire in the region. The ongoing conflict poses a significant risk to both healthcare workers and the civilian population, making it difficult to deliver essential services. A ceasefire would not only allow the vaccination campaign to continue without interruption but also pave the way for broader humanitarian relief efforts to reach those in need.
For more information visit : https://www.who.int/news/item/16-08-2024-humanitarian-pauses-vital-for-critical-polio-vaccination-campaign-in-the-gaza-strip
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